MQM Chief Altaf Hussain. — File photo

KARACHI: Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Wednesday said elements using inflammatory language against Urdu-speakers of Sindh must be restrained, DawnNews reported.

In a video message, Hussain appealed to President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, DG ISI Lt. General Zaheerul Islam, Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Home Minister Manzoor Wassan to “restrain elements using inflammatory language against a segment of population.”

He warned if elements using “fiery language were not stopped, things might slip away from my hands, and people might take matters in their own hands.”

He said “fire of hate and prejudice is being ignited in Sindh under a planned conspiracy. So-called nationalist elements and certain political leaders hailing from Sindh are using provocative and foul language against Urdu-speaking people of the province”.

“There are talks about turning the Indus into a river of blood,” he added.

Hussain said MQM had always tried to “douse fire of hate and prejudice being set ablaze in Sindh by conciliatory gestures. MQM had publicly asserted in large gatherings that MQM was against division of Sindh. Despite this, so-called nationalist elements and some political leaders were repeatedly saying that Sindh would be soaked in blood if there was any talk about its division.”

“It was also being threatened that certain areas would be plunged into carnage and bloodshed,” said the MQM chief.

the party chief warned such elements, by saying “Urdu-speaking people could not be subjugated by such tactics. They should know it was 21st century and their power would be put to test when the time came. I would not tire from preaching peace, unity but if Urdu-speakers became tired of hearing appeals of peace, solidarity, my preaching would become useless.”

He appealed to people to bear with patience, fortitude and hold back their emotions.

Opinion

Editorial

Hasty transition
Updated 05 May, 2024

Hasty transition

Ostensibly, the aim is to exert greater control over social media and to gain more power to crack down on activists, dissidents and journalists.
One small step…
05 May, 2024

One small step…

THERE is some good news for the nation from the heavens above. On Friday, Pakistan managed to dispatch a lunar...
Not out of the woods
05 May, 2024

Not out of the woods

PAKISTAN’S economic vitals might be showing some signs of improvement, but the country is not yet out of danger....
Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...